The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1887-07-21
THR PRESIDENT.
He Takes Part n Oeatrnnial Celebrates o.
. Tells What President Should Ne.

!. 1OAAo W19S kfNol00oe 8000l0 Be.
At Q centennial celebration at Clinton,
New York, on tho 18th, which was attend
cd by q vast crowd, the speeches occupied
over two hours, and with the exception OF
that by President Cleveland, were chiefly
~ persons OF local fame connected py
blood with the early settlers of this place.
am inclined to content myself on this
occasion with an acknowledgment on be-
hall of the people Of the United States OF
the compliment which you have paid to
the office which represents their sovereign
ty, but such an acknowledgment suggests
an Htea which cannot refrain from dwell
ing upon Tor moment. That the Office
OF president OF United States does repre-
pie is, to my MIND, u statement full of SOL
emnlty, Tor this sovereignty ltohceive to
be tho working act or enforcement of the
divine gift Of man to govern himself, and u
manifestation Of Gods plans concerning
the human race. Though the struggle oi
poiittcal parties to secure tho incumbcncy
oil this office, and the questionable methods
sometimes resorted to for it's posse ssion
may not be akin with this idea;
and though the deceit practiced to mislesd
the people in their choice and its too ire.
quent influences on their suffrage may sur
prise US, these things should never lead us
astray III our estimate OF this exalted pos
ton and it's value and dignity; and though
your fellow citizens, who may be chosen to
perform Tor II time the duties OF this high
place, should be badly selected, and though
the best attainable results may not be at
talned by his administration, yet the OK
acting watchfulncss Of the people, freed
from the disturbing Turmoil! Of politicalrx
element, ought to prevent n,is2hance to
tho Office which represents their sovereign
ty, and should reduce to IL minimum tho
danger oil harm tn the state. | bv no
means underestimate the Importance OF
the.
UTMOST CARE AND CIHCUMSP ECTION
In selection OF the incumbent. On the con
trary. believe there is no obligation o
citizenship that demands moro thought
and conscientious delibera ton than this;
but nm speaking OF the citizens duty to
the office ami it's selected incu,n bent. This
duty is only performed when, in tho inter-
est OF tho entire people, the rull exercise OF
the powers OF chief magistracy in insisted
on, and when for tho peoples safety u due
regard for the limitations placed upon the
office Is exactel These things should be
enforced by the manifestation OF Il cain,
and enlightened public opinion. But this
should not be stimulated by the mad
tiamor OF disappointed interest, which
without regard for the general good or al
lowance for the exercise OF official
Judgments. would degrade the
Office by forcing compliance with
selfish demands. II your president shcu!d
not be OF tho people and ono of your fellow
citizens he would he utterly unfit for the
position, incapable OF understanding tho
people wants, and careless OF their Aosirec:.
That he is one OF the people :.n,l'lies
sn"t ne is s subject to human 'rs;'ty and
but little tolerat;:vn tnr MISTAKES, Tho
generosity o. MS fellow citihahs shout i
alone dec,eeehow FAR go>,l Intentions should
e e his shortcomings. Watch well,
ssboe, this high ui'icc, tho most precicu US
po'eession OF American citizenship. De-
mand Tor 1t the most complete devotion
on the part OF him to whose custody it
may be entrusted. and protect it not less
vlgiiantly from unworthy assaults from
without. Thus will you perform II sacred
duty to yourselves and to those who may
follow you in the enjoyment OF the ireest
institutions which heaven has ever vouch.
0afed to man,.